Why do I need to share my ID or take a video?
As telehealth providers, they are all required to have you provide a form of identification. It will be with submitting a photo of your driver's license and/or a video of you self-identifying. Different states have different requirements along these lines but either method is protected by HIPAA law just as it is in a doctor's office setting.
Why do some providers offer service in my state and not others?
There are a few reasons. Some states have different regulations surrounding telehealth. In California, for example, there is a lengthy and expensive approval process. Some providers skip this state and intentionally stay smaller. Some are in the process but it just hasn't reach completion yet. California reportedly also gives preference to businesses located in this state, so some of the providers who offer service there are located in California.
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If you are paying a rate or with a company you aren't entirely satisfied with currently in one of the limited states, feel free to check back to see if things have opened up. I know that some are in the works.
What comes in the package?
The package will be a large shipping box. You might be surprised at the size. It will include a large padded cold pack sleeve with a large ice pack or ice packs. The pre-mixed vial will be nested inside the cold pack. Your supplies will typically be outside the cold pack. So don't throw away the box thinking you didn't receive your needles and wipes.. Reputable pharmacies all include them.
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I have heard anecdotally about a pharmacy, not one on my trusted list, shipping warm meds. If this should happen to you, would you please take a moment to send me a note? Contact Alison I like to keep track of any pharmacies having issues as well as our good ones. Thank you.
What to expect on delivery day
I have had people ask me if they need to leave a cooler on their porch, if they need to take the day off of work, or whether the package will be ok for hours. I can say that I would be confident with my Hallandale meds being packed as well as they are, and seeing other folks packaging, to leave them out for many hours. Some of you live in very hot climates so you'd want to decide what's right for you. Mine have full-size ice packs that are still solid ice when they arrive. In general, with this whole process, I would say to worry less.
Shipping & Delivery Notices
With the current surge in demand, providers and pharmacies are working around the clock to fill orders. It is the same across the board. We tend to all be excited to get our shipments, too! One thing that is recommended is to download the FedEx app. You may get a shipping notice from your provider first, but sometimes when the pharmacy drops it with FedEx -- before contacting the provider who contacts you -- it will zip through the FedEx system and pop up as an incoming delivery to you quickest. I hear that most pharmacies use FedEx.
Is it easy to switch providers?
Yes. You will need a picture (screenshot) of your current script. If you don't have that readily available, some will alternately accept a photo of your vial box from your current pharmacy showing your dose level. You will want to contact the new provider in advance so your treatment is not interrupted. Many, if not most people end up using more than one provider over time. They make it fairly easy to transfer.
Will any compound providers accept HSA or FSA?
Yes, all of the providers I have spoken with do currently accept HSA or FSA.
How do I travel with my medication?
You are allowed to carry medication and supplies including needles in your carry-on luggage with a valid prescription. You will want to print your script and keep with your medication. There are travel coolers you can find easily on Amazon. One user recommended this case with the digital thermometer, TSA approved. Other folks use a large metal water bottle and put an ice pack inside.
What do I do if I stall in my weight loss?
There is a page dedicated to Tips For Stalls and your provider will guide you too. Just know, this is common. It's not the pharmacy watering down the medication, as some jump to that conclusion and blast the pharmacy online, it is not statistically likely that you're a non-responder, it is just part of the nature of the medication. It is the same in studies of branded GLP-1's. And there are some easy things to try to breeze on by a stall.
More Coming Soon
Please feel free to reach out with questions or suggestions of what you want to see answered in the FAQs